Obituary of Laura Alice Haslen

HASLEN: Laura Alice Haslen of Brandon, formerly of Rapid City, passed away peacefully at her residence, Valleyview Care Centre, on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at the age of 92 years. Laura was born in 1920 to Tom and Alice Elliott, the 5th of 11 children, in St. Charles, MN. The family returned to Margaret, MB, and then to Minto, MB. Laura grew up and went to school in Minto to Grade 8. In her late teens, Laura spent a few months in Winnipeg, where her son Mel was born and given up for adoption to the Cheavins family of Brandon. Laura sought domestic work, which brought her to Rapid City. She worked for the Ranson family, looking after their toddler, Helen. She maintained a relationship with Helen and her mother to the end of her life. After a couple of years, another family needed her to help look after their mother's elderly father. That was the Haslen family, and she soon became beloved to them as well, but especially to their son, Stan. They married on Stan's 29th birthday, July 31, 1940. Stan joined the Navy and went to war. They had three children, George Elliott (El), Vicky Lee, who only lived for 4 months, and Alexandra Lynn (Alexe). In 1955, they moved Stan's tin-smithing business and their little family into the old two-story hall on Main Street and opened S.J. Haslen Hardware. They lived in the back of the store amongst the tin bending equipment for 21 years. In 1976, the machines were sold, the store was expanded, and the rear portion of the main floor was converted into separate living quarters. The store stayed open for another 17 years, even after Stan died in 1981. Laura continued to live in the back and run the store herself until 1993. She finally sold the building in 1995 and moved to the Legion Gardens where she lived for another 15 years. Her final two years were spent at Valleyview in Brandon where she was content to listen to her radio, play bingo, receive her many visitors and interact with the staff. They loved her there and she, as well as her family, appreciated all that they did for her. Laura became a member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary in 1957 and continued until she moved to Brandon. During that time, she held the offices of President, Vice President and Warden of the Kitchen. In the latter capacity, she cleaned, painted and kept inventory of the kitchen after social events. She sewed and baked items for fundraising events and handled the raffle tickets for Remembrance Day Tea. In 2007, the Auxiliary recommended Laura for the Meritorious Service Award. Laura was also an active member of the Anglican Church, which she faithfully attended. She was an active curler for 30 years and served as social convener for the curling club. She ran the Saturday night bingo at the Odd Fellows Hall. In later years, she attended the Lion's bingo on Sunday nights, and weekly bridge games at the Legion Gardens. At the store, there were always "collection" boxes of money for raffle tickets for various organizations and for bridal showers and "going away" gifts. Laura chose and wrapped gifts for the brides and went to every shower. Laura was proud of her children and grandchildren and always encouraged them to do their best. She remembered every birthday with a card, a cheque and sometimes a lottery ticket. Laura was reunited with her son Mel in 1997 and had many delightful visits with him and his family. Laura is predeceased by her parents, nine of her brothers and sisters, her husband, Stan, her infant daughter Vicky Lee, and her grandson Clint Cheavins. She is survived by her son Mel Cheavins (Betty), son Elliott Haslen (Trish), daughter Alexe Jones (Dick), granddaughter Brenda Cheavins (special friend Gary), grandson Todd Cheavins (Mia), granddaughter Debbie McDonell (Dwayne), granddaughter Vicky Isliefson (Lyndon), grandson Terry Haslen (special friend Linda), granddaughter Patti Gasnarek (Glen), grandson Jamie Jones (Jackie) and 14 great grandchildren. A service to celebrate Laura's life was held at the Rapid City United Church on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. Interment was at the Rapid City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Laura may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7 or to a charity of choice